Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the passenger's side steering column detached. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the transmission had a fluid leak. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drag link, control arm, and adjustment sleeve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Track bar bracket broke off at 65 mph due to violent steering death wobble. I had no steering when track bar bracket welds broke off axle. No Sterring. Yes, independent. Had to have vehicle toed on flatbed. Yes, Insurance said they will not cover catastrophic failure of the steering or the damage. No warnings other than dramatic front-end vibration that broke off the metal bracket.
The contact owns a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the tie rod drag link detached, causing the steering wheel to continually spin. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was repaired by a family member at the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Hello, Recently my 2010 Jeep Wrangler has developed the infamous death wobble. It is one of the most terrifying things I've ever experienced. Being on the freeway, doing 75, having my vehicle suddenly start shaking and wobbling like it's coming apart at the seams, and having to come to a complete stop in the middle of rush hour traffic, 3 lanes away from the shoulder has given me extreme anxiety! I have read in depth about this issue, I have read that there have been lawsuits and tech bulletins, but never a recall because "nobody has died from this". Believe me, it's only a matter of time, whether it be a heart attack or an accident, it will happen.
I was returning home from the grocery store and was driving on a paved city street with no potholes, speed-bumps, or other obstructions. As I made a left turn into our driveway I heard a noise and then suddenly the Jeep turned hard right and I hit another care parked on the right side of our driveway. I had no control of the steering. Upon inspection, I noticed that the stud coming from the steering gear box had sheared in half between the steering gear box and the pitman arm. There was nothing that I did that would have caused this to happen. Also, this Jeep has never been off road. I contacted Chrysler and they said I need to contact my insurance company. They offered no assistance.
After researching the internet I cam across the acronym of the issue. What happened is exactly described in this article as the "death wobble." http://abc7news.com/archive/8547340/ this has happened multiple times while I'm driving at an average speed or high speed. If I hit a dip or turn at a average to high speed my Jeep shakes uncontrollably. Today I was driving to work on the 60 eastbound in the high speed lane going the speed limit (cruise control). My Jeep hit a dip and shook so uncontrollably I almost had to do a complete stop on the freeway. I tried the best I could to merge to the slow speed lane to possibly exit the freeway. A few vehicles were behind me when this happened and it almost caused a severe accident. It literally feels like the axel is going to snap in half or the vehicle May even flip if the shaking were to continue. …
While driving at all speeds I would get an airbag warning light and chime associated with steering inputs. Contacted service department. They said no recall exists and im out of warranty and would have to pay to get it fixed. Looked up recalls and failed components common to my complaint. Found the exact problem on my Jeep up to 2009 and another recall for my year Jeep but only right handed steering models. Did more research and the same part number component is used in all of them in this year group but my vehicle isn't covered. This is a gross neglect to address a know safety concern and could result in serious injury or death. The Jeep was bought new, and airbags should be warrantied for longer than 36,000 miles. Especially when they are being recalled for every year and model around mine and I have the same exact problem.
I have what is known as a 'death wobble' at any time my Jeep goes into a severe wobble of the front axle and steering. I was in 3rd gear going 30 MPH slowing down for a stop sign, when the Jeep went into the 'death wobble'. It is so severe it feels like the front end is going to break apart. The only way to stop this is to take your foot off the gas and put the manual transmission in neutral. My mechanic told me not to ever put your foot on the brake, because that can cause even more damage. My mechanic and I don't understand why Jeep doesn't want to address this issue of safety. Jeep just told me that yes they have heard of this complaint but they usually know how to fix it. But it will cost me a lot of money. I feel they should be addressing this issue as what it truly is "a safety issue"
When reaching speeds of 45mph and above the steering wheel starts to shake violently from left to right. When this started, a mechanic saw nothing wrong except for a worn out steering stabilizer, so he replaced it. The problem persists, but now it only happens when I hit a bump in road when traveling above 50mph. I took it to a second mechanic and he installed an aftermarket track bar and balanced the wheels. The problem is still there. A simple internet search shows that this is not an uncommon occurrence with jeeps, yet the manufacturer has done nothing to correct it. My vehicle is completely stock, except for the track bar, and currently has approximately 60,000 miles on it.
I have a 2010 Jeep Wrangler sahara unlimited with 62K on it. I first noticed a jar and shaking after hitting a bump a few months ago and didn't think anything of this, until tonight!y Jeep is completely stock. I was coming home from work and hit a bump on the highway and my whole entire front end completely shook where I could barely control the vehicle. I had to slow down but was scared to death because there was a semi behind me, when I slowed down it didn't do it anymore! This is so dangerous I go on multiple trips with my two sons and can't imagine to safety that is at risk with this type of malfunction in a Jeep.
Steering complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2010 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Jeep Wrangler, 10% of the model year's 686 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Jeep Wrangler steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Jeep Wrangler steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.